Legacy of Sigma Tau Gamma
Sigma Tau Gamma enjoys a rich heritage, dating back to our founding on June 28, 1920, at what is now known as the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, Missouri. The longevity is attributable, in great measure, to the dedication and vision of generations of men who have come before us. These men worked to ensure that you would be given the opportunity they enjoyed – to become part of a noble and courageous generation of men. From the founding fathers to today’s members, Sigma Tau Gamma empowers men to grow, lead, and create a lasting legacy both on campus and beyond. The following insights on origin of Sigma Tau Gamma reflects the wording provided at sigtau.org national website, under the About Tab.
Heritage of Sigma Tau Gamma
Sigma Tau Gamma’s Founders’ grandparents were veterans of the Civil War. That was a domestic quarrel. In bravely heading to fight in World War I, our Founders embarked on a journey that would take them off domestic soil and back to the old country in a battle unlike any from their generation could have imagined. General John J. (Blackjack) Pershing, a native son of their state of Missouri, was selected by President Woodrow Wilson to command the American Expeditionary Force. As volunteers, our Founding Fathers would leave their Midwestern school and follow him into the War to End All Wars. They were not ordinary men.
In an era when fewer than half of the nation’s young people advance beyond the eighth grade and fewer graduated from high school, these children of farmers, craftsmen, and shopkeepers in the sparsely populated rural counties of western Missouri were pursuing educational degrees. These two-year, post-high school programs qualified them to teach and administer public schools. Almost uniformly, they were as well qualified academically as students at the private and land grant colleges but simply lacked the financial resources necessary for enrollment at those schools. Together, they joined what was then called an Ambulance Company.
Today, we could call them Corpsmen and Emergency Medical Technicians. Near the end of 1918, after 18 months of battle, the armistice came. The war ended, and after serving in the occupational force, they headed home by steamship. While they were overseas, our Founders’ school had become a four-year college. It was in the summer of 1920 when Emmett Ellis, their leader, was 29. This was not a group of starry-eyed children.
They were veterans who had met death face to face and fully realized the essence of a life worth living, manifesting itself in caring for their fellow man. They were determined to continue the bonds of brotherhood they created in the trenches of WWI. This time, they found it through the enlightenment of a liberal arts education. The Founders of Sigma Tau Gamma were hopeful. Thus, Sig Tau began on a warm summer morning in a rooming house at 101 Ming Street, a few blocks from a school dedicated as much as they were to the pursuit of the American dream.
See History – Sigma Tau Gamma | Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity for additional insights
Also refer to: Sig Tau and The War | Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity
Numbers and Details
Most recent information posted, as of December 2022: (See By the Numbers – Sigma Tau Gamma | Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity for more current information, as available.)
Total Undergraduate Members: 2,003
Total Living Alumni Members: 65,949
Chapters:
Total Chapters Since 1920: 198
Total Active Chapters and Associate Chapters: 63
Total Active Chapters: 59
Total Active Associate Chapters: 4
Average Chapter Size: 31
Membership and Legacy
Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity has created a robust network of alumni and collegiate members united by shared values and a commitment to excellence. These bonds, forged in the spirit of brotherhood, continue to shape leaders who make meaningful contributions to their communities, colleges, and country.
Programs and Rituals
The Path of Principles Program lies at the heart of Sigma Tau Gamma, offering a lifelong framework for personal and professional growth. Beginning with the education of new members and continuing throughout lifetime membership, this program ensures that the fraternity’s six principles—Brotherhood, Learning, Leadership, Excellence, Citizenship, and Integrity—are more than ideals; they become a way of life. Through the Ritual of Sigma Tau Gamma, members are reminded of their purpose and the fraternity’s enduring commitment to developing better men and citizens.
Vision for the Future
Sigma Tau Gamma remains steadfast in its mission to foster the highest ideals of manhood, brotherhood, and citizenship. By inspiring its members to embrace leadership, integrity, and service, the fraternity envisions a future where its values create a ripple effect of positive change across campuses, communities, and beyond. As it continues to grow, Sigma Tau Gamma will strive to empower men to leave a lasting legacy of character and impact.
Its members dedicate themselves to a set of six Principles: Learning, Integrity, Excellence, Leadership, Citizenship, and Brotherhood. (see next section)
(Reference: History – Sigma Tau Gamma | Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity)